Jersey politicians have approved plans to allow assisted dying for terminally ill people who are experiencing unbearable suffering. The States Assembly of Jersey voted in favor of the first route through which people who have lived in Jersey for over a year, who are over 18, and have decision-making capacity can apply for assisted dying. The second route for people with an incurable medical condition causing unbearable suffering, who are not terminally ill, was rejected. In 2021, the assembly had voted on the legalisation of assisted dying in principle, but the recent vote aimed to decide how the process could work.
The process for drafting a law could take about 18 months, with a debate taking place towards the end of 2025, now that the decision has been made. If the law is approved, it is expected to have an implementation period of 18 months before it comes into effect, presumably no earlier than summer 2027. Jennifer Bridge, a former States member and leader of the Jersey Assisted Dying Action Group, called it a historic day for the island and hoped that members would continue to support the reform.
Speaking in the assembly, Health Minister Tom Binet stated that the assisted dying proposals were the most comprehensive in the British Isles to date, with excellent safeguards. He called it a very important decision for the island. Notwithstanding, Deputy Barbara Ward, who had worked as a nurse for 45 years, was opposed to the proposals and believed it should be referred to as an assisted suicide bill. Sir Philip Bailhache, another Deputy, shared his concern about the effect the proposals could have on disabled people.
In another vote, the assembly approved an opt-out for health professionals that allows them to refuse to participate in assisted dying. Also, the majority of the assembly agreed to a proposed minimum time frame of 14 days between the point at which a person is making a formal request for assisted death and the administration of the substance leading to death. Sarah Wootton, the chief executive of Dignity in Dying, hailed the vote as “a victory for compassion and common sense.
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